1Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.2This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.7Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."8"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"9Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light.10It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."11After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."12His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."13Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.14So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead,15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."16Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.18Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem,19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died.22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you."29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.34"Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.35Jesus wept.36Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"37But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.39"Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me.42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."45Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.46But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.47Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs.48If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."49Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all!50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."51He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation,52and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.53So from that day on they plotted to take his life.54Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.55When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover.56They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, "What do you think? Isn't he coming to the Feast at all?"57But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.

1These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess,2so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.3Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.5Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.6These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.10When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you--a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build,11houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant--then when you eat and are satisfied,12be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.13Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.14Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you;15for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.16Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah.17Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you.18Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers,19thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.20In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?"21tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.22Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders--great and terrible--upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household.23But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers.24The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.25And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

1So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.2For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved?3I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy.4For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.5If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent--not to put it too severely.6The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him.7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.9The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.12Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,13I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.12As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.13Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.15Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

1Elihu continued:2"Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God's behalf.3I get my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe justice to my Maker.4Be assured that my words are not false; one perfect in knowledge is with you.5"God is mighty, but does not despise men; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.6He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights.7He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.8But if men are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction,9he tells them what they have done-- that they have sinned arrogantly.10He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil.11If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.12But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge.13"The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.14They die in their youth, among male prostitutes of the shrines.15But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.16"He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.17But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you.18Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.19Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress?20Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes.21Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.22"God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?23Who has prescribed his ways for him, or said to him, 'You have done wrong'?24Remember to extol his work, which men have praised in song.25All mankind has seen it; men gaze on it from afar.26How great is God--beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out.27"He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams;28the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind.29Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion?30See how he scatters his lightning about him, bathing the depths of the sea.31This is the way he governs the nations and provides food in abundance.32He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.33His thunder announces the coming storm; even the cattle make known its approach.

1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah"4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.5God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.7The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah"8Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.9He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.10"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."11The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah"

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight,2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;4but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.5Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.6She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.7Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.8Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,9lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel,10lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man's house.11At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.12You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!13I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.14I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly."15Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.16Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?17Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.18May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.19A loving doe, a graceful deer-- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.20Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?21For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.22The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.23He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

1Ahithophel said to Absalom, "I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.2I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king3and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed."4This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.5But Absalom said, "Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say."6When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, "Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion."7Hushai replied to Absalom, "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.8You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops.9Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, 'There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.'10Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.11"So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba--as numerous as the sand on the seashore--be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle.12Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.13If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a piece of it can be found."14Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.15Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so.16Now send a message immediately and tell David, 'Do not spend the night at the fords in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.' "17Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they could not risk being seen entering the city.18But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.19His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it.20When Absalom's men came to the woman at the house, they asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman answered them, "They crossed over the brook." The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem.21After the men had gone, the two climbed out of the well and went to inform King David. They said to him, "Set out and cross the river at once; Ahithophel has advised such and such against you."22So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan.23When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb.24David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.25Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether, an Israelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.26The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.27When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim28brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,29honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows' milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, "The people have become hungry and tired and thirsty in the desert."

1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:2"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.3The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their forefathers to possess,' says the LORD."4These are the words the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah:5"This is what the LORD says: " 'Cries of fear are heard-- terror, not peace.6Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale?7How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.8" 'In that day,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them.9Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.10" 'So do not fear, O Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, O Israel,' declares the LORD. 'I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.11I am with you and will save you,' declares the LORD. 'Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.'12"This is what the LORD says: " 'Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.13There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.14All your allies have forgotten you; they care nothing for you. I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you as would the cruel, because your guilt is so great and your sins so many.15Why do you cry out over your wound, your pain that has no cure? Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you.16" 'But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil.17But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.'18"This is what the LORD says: " 'I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.19From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.20Their children will be as in days of old, and their community will be established before me; I will punish all who oppress them.21Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?' declares the LORD.22" 'So you will be my people, and I will be your God.' "23See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked.24The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this.

1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.2He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.3One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"4Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.5Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.6He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."7When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.8He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.9About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.10He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.11He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.12It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air.13Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."14"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."15The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."16This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate.18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you.20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say."23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."27Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"30Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me31and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.'33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached--38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.39"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree,40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.41He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,47"Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.